Hello, I am Terry. Welcome to my website exploring automotive electrical systems. The modern vehicle is filled with electronics that run the integral components and ensure passenger comfort, safety and satisfaction. The electronics are all operated by the onboard computer in some way or another. Each system may include a multitude of sensors that talk to the computer several times a second. These interconnected systems keep your vehicle running efficiently. The systems can also alert you to a developing problem. Please feel free to use the information on my site to better understand your own vehicle’s electrical systems and identify problems before it's too late.
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Talking About Automotive Electrical Systems
Oil Pressure Light On When Stopping – Should You Worry?
Leonard White
If your oil light comes on when you're driving, there's usually at least some reason for concern. The oil light generally indicates one thing: low oil pressure, usually anything under 5 psi. This low pressure can be caused by multiple things--from a low volume of oil in the vehicle all the way to a bad sensor. Here's what to do if you get that oil light on when you're stopping.
Check the Oil
As soon as it's safe, pull over and check your oil level. While the light comes on when you still have enough oil left to drive safely, it's better to be safe than sorry. Turn your car off and wait for ten minutes. This ensures that you will get an accurate reading. If the dipstick indicates that you need to add oil, stop and get a quart as soon as you can. While you're reading the dipstick, inspect the oil. Smell it to see if it has a burnt odor and rub it between your fingers. If you feel any sort of grit or residue in the oil, your car needs attention as soon as possible.
Other Causes
If the oil level is good, then you need to take your car into your mechanic to have the oil pressure gauge checked. It's possible that the sensor has gone bad and will need replaced. Your mechanic will attach an external oil pressure gauge to the system to see what the actual pressures are. If the pressures do drop below the recommended threshold, then it's likely that your oil pump needs to be replaced.
Your mechanic will check the oil pump efficiency as well as other causes of low oil pressure. These include a clogged oil screen, worn engine bearings, or even a dented oil return tube. If the tube is dented, then it won't allow the full volume of oil to be returned to the system resulting in lower pressure. A clogged screen will create the same issue and both are easy to fix for your mechanic.
No matter what, don't ignore the oil light. Failure to correct the issue can cause catastrophic failures in your engine, rendering your car useless. With one simple check, you can determine if you need to bring your car into the shop or not. If you do or you aren't sure, make sure you check with your licensed auto mechanic to discuss your options. After all, it's far better to be safe than sorry.
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